Atom Reps Win Gravenhurst Tournament
Submitted By
Dan Bailey on Sunday, November 29, 2009
13 Hockey players displayed the true image of a team sport, as Hanover won all three games in the Gravenhurst Memorial Tournament this past weekend, in what was the best hockey the squad has played thus far.
The Schaus Masonry atom reps first met with BB squad of Elmvale AE, and immediately made their impression on the spectators known, as the Falcons sailed to a 3-0 victory. Goal #1 was earned by Dylan Freiburger, assisted from Travis Campbell and Nathan Russwurm. Hanover's second marker was buried by a hard playing Austin Frook, and was the result of some strong offensive play making by team captain, Garrett Logie. Ridge Patterson picked up Hanover's third and final goal of the game, on another finish to a fine shift. Patterson's goal was assisted by Frook. Goalie, Gregory Scales picked up the W in the net.
After entering into the championship side of the tournament, Hanover would face the home team of Gravenhurst, who destroyed their competition in Game #1, by a score of 14-0. Gravenhurst plays BB-A during their regular season. The mighty Falcons knew the match would take tons of heart and soul and were willing to deliver. In what was the team's finest exhibition of hockey all year, the Falcons played strong, fast, physical and smart. Hanover took the lead at 5:01 of the first, when Frieburger found the back of the net, from centerman, Logie. In just over a minute, Gravenhurst responded, and then took the lead at 7:15 of the second. With high intensity, Hanover was able to find the twine on a coast to coast display by Brendan "The Tank" Clayton. After 2, the teams were deadlocked. The third period saw some great hockey, and just one penalty, but neither team could advance.
Overtime...Tournament rules faced the kids off for 5 v 5 for 1:00 - no score. 4 v 4 for 1:00 - no score. 3 v 3 for 0:53 seconds, when Clayton controlled the puck extremely well in the offensive zone, and slid the pass to an eager Logie, who went upstairs for the sudden victory. A well deserved win for the entire team, and some great goaltending by Kyle Roulston.
For the second game of the day - the Championship game - the Falcons were to meet up with the undefeated Alliston TNT squad. Ready to play an equally talented and determined team, Hanover knew desire and determination would decide the victor. On the first shift of the game, Alliston put Hanover on their heels, and found their first marker, just 1:06 into the game. Exactly one minute later, Logie tied things up, assisted by Jacob Mattingly.
Another game of solid playing at both ends of the rink, physical match ups and smart hockey forced both teams to be aggressive, yet cautious. Hanover took the lead with just 0:15 remaining in the first, as Logie burried another, coming from a well executed 2v1 that saw Patterson dish the disc to Logie perfectly.
It took just 44 seconds for Alliston to reply, but as Hanover was equally determined, Logie earned the hat trick and recaptured the lead, a mere 19 seconds later. Frieburger earned the assist on the go ahead goal.
Period three proved to be exciting as the Falcons maintained pressure, and took a 4-2 lead at 7:21, when Patterson padded the lead, on a solid effort from Freiburger and Travis Campbell. Far from over, the Falcons felt the force of Alliston not wanting to surrender just yet, and after a couple of timeouts, Hanover saw the TNT goalie leave the net - giving Alliston a temporary 2 man advantage. Hanover remained focussed and under control, but with just 1:10 to go, saw the TNTs narrow the gap by 1. As time slipped away, and Hanover continued a smart game, Alliston earned a nice bounce which created an odd man rush. The Falcons' Jacob Mattingly played solid defensively, and eliminated the chance. Gregory Scales froze the play. With just two seconds left in the game, Hanover won the draw, locked up the opponent, and were named the Tournament Champions. MVP of the game was Hanover's Gregory Scales.
An incredible effort by all - truly something to be proud of.
Hanover faces Arran Elderslie on Monday, Teeswater Saturday, and BCH on Sunday.
